
Napoleon III's Paris city tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Napoleon III's Paris city tour worth booking?
Napoleon III's Paris city tour is a 2-hour experience in Paris, France, from $474 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 50 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (4)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $474 per person
The tour that deals with the drastic and radical reconstruction that completely changed the city of Paris, by destroying over 70% of it. The most impressive, ambitious, comprehensive yet also destructive and culturally c
What you get
About this experience
The tour that deals with the drastic and radical reconstruction that completely changed the city of Paris, by destroying over 70% of it. The most impressive, ambitious, comprehensive yet also destructive and culturally catastrophic urban planning move, possibly of all time - the Haussmannian reconstruction - is the main topic of this tour. We present the pivotal change in the history of the city, where a medieval town, with aspects of renaissance and classical architecture scattered about, became a modern, industrialized capital of the world - in the time span of only 17 years. This is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting tours we offer, as it delves into the very birth of modernity: industrial life, consumerist culture, modern politics, urban living. This tour, like no other, shows us the birth of the world we today live in, and how it came to be in the most important (also, the most beautiful) city in the world, Paris.
What's included
Included
- Private tour
- Professional art historian guide
Not included
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
Place Vendome
The architectural and aesthetic model that was used for the reconstruction of Paris done in the second half of the 19th century. The reconstruction in question is the main topic of the tour. This beautiful square from the very end of the 17th century is one of the five royal squares of Paris, and is a marvel to behold in its own right.
10 minutes here
Palais Garnier
The world famous Opéra Garnier, also known as the Palace Garnier, is the focal point of the late 19th century reconstruction of Paris, the main topic of the tour. It is the new center of the new Paris, meant to substitute the old one, cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris. Please note - we are not entering the Opera house, as this is a separate tour altogether. We only address it from the outside.
20 minutes here
Societe Generale
The most beautiful bank in the entire world, bar none - and a true cathedral of wealth. Marvel at the transformation a mundane task (going to the bank) into a truly spiritual experience.
20 minutes here
Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann
After the most beautiful bank in the world, the most beautiful department store. Shopping is elevated to a spiritual, religious experience in this cathedral of opulence and consumerism.
20 minutes here
Printemps
One of the two (only possible) competitors for the title of the world's most beautiful department store. A true marvel of decadence and luxury.
10 minutes here
A detailed account of the boulevard Haussmann as the prime example of a boulevard, the most prominent type of street in the vision of new, industrialized, bourgeois Paris.
15 minutes here
Chapelle Expiatoire
An account of the political division that still shook France in the second half of the 19th century, and the attempts to reconcile the differences between ever waring parties of the monarchic aristocrats and the republican bourgeois.
10 minutes here
Saint-Augustin Church
The building that symbolizes the Church and the industrial forces forging a pact; the first church in Paris to be made with extensive use of steel, and a conclusion of the tour.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Paris
The guide will be standing in front of the entrance to the Ritz hotel, carrying a red canvas tote bag.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
The tour will end at the junction of boulevard Malesherbes and boulevard Hausmann.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Paris in person
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Napoleon III's Paris city tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Napoleon III Paris tour
me and my wife spend wonderful 4 hours with Elizabeth, our local guide. She told us a lot of interesting things about Napoleon III, Haussmann and rebuilding of Paris. Highly recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Thought provoking and beautiful walking tour
This was our third tour with Boris on our recent trip to Paris. I learned of him and his small company through a favorite podcast (Earful Tower) where he has been a guest multiple times speaking on different subjects, including Haussmann. I think this tour was one of the highlights of our trip. He very skillfully weaves a narrative giving social, historical and artistic context, while visiting stunning iconic buildings. Definitely a must see/do experience.
via Tripadvisor
A charming and knowledgable host
My sister and I thoroughly enjoyed our tour of Haussmanian Paris. The guide, Amy, seemed to know everything about 19th century Paris, architecture, art, and every other question we asked her. Such a pleasure to be shown the city by someone so knowledgeable. Highly recommended!
via Tripadvisor
Napoleon III and Haussmann Paris tour
We were intrigued about the total rebuild of Paris that took place from 1853 to 1870 in which Napoleon III commissioned George Haussmann to complete. This two hour walking tour was fabulous and explained how these two managed to complete this monumental task. Our guide Hannah was extremely knowledgeable and brought the history to life! Thank you!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 50
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Napoleon III's Paris city tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Paris.
How much does Napoleon III's Paris city tour cost?
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Prices start at $474 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Paris usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Napoleon III's Paris city tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Paris is not rushed.
Is Napoleon III's Paris city tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Paris, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Napoleon III's Paris city tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Napoleon III's Paris city tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Napoleon III's Paris city tour?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Paris can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Paris and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Napoleon III's Paris city tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Paris within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Paris?
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Paris rewards travelers who book ahead. The headline museums sell timed entry weeks out, the best food walks cap at eight people, and the Seine cruises that are worth doing are the ones that leave after sunset. Everything below is scored by the Outty Ranking so you can tell a genuine local favorite from a coach-tour filler in a single glance. On Outty we rank every Paris experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Louvre Museum Essential Guided Tour Semi Private 6 GUESTS MAX, Louvre Museum Premium Guided Tour 6 GUESTS MAX Entry Included, Paris City Center Free Walking Tour (Tip-Based). The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Paris?
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April to June and September to October, when queues thin out and terraces stay open late. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Paris?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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